87711 Chronologic Timeline Arabian Spring

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UCDP Arabian Spring 2010-2011 [email protected]

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Timeline Arab Spring

A brief summary of key events up until December 23, 2011

DISCLAIMER

The events listed below are by no means a comprehensive coverage of the situation in Northern

Africa and the Middle East, the selection is made by the author and represents major events that

have been of importance to the development in the region. It should also be noted that this is an on-

going process wherefore facts and figures may be subject to revision. Having pointed out these

caveats this compilation of events might serve as a background note to the tumultuous events that

are unravelling on the northern fringe of Africa as well as in the Middle East.

December 17, 2010

Grocery vendor Mohammed Bouazizi who on the previous day was arrested and had his cart

confiscated sets himself on fire after being ignored by the Tunisian authorities when complaining to

authorities about police brutality. He died of his wounds on January 4 2011.

January 4, 2011

As the death of Bouazizi is announced over 5000 people take to the streets in his home town of Sidi

Bouazid, the demonstrators demand better living conditions and a stop to police brutality and

corruption in Tunisia.

January 14, 2011

After weeks of demonstrations and clashes Tunisian president Zine el-Abidinde Ben Ali steps down

and flees to Saudi Arabia. Ben Alis ousting came at the price of dozens of lives caused by clashes

between security forces and demonstrators mainly in the capital Tunis. Ben Ali is replaced by the

ruling partys parliamentary speaker. The departure of Ben Ali came after several concessions from

the Presidents office, none of which satisfied the population who settled for nothing less than the

departure and complete overhaul of the government of Tunisia.

January 16, 2011

Witnessing the departure of Ben Ali demonstrators take to the streets in Egyptchanting; Ben Ali, tell

Mubarak there is a plane waiting for him too. Speculation amongst scholars and politicians was

widespread, during and after the fall of Ben Ali, concerning contagious effects of the ousting of Ben

Ali, specifically naming Algeria, Jordan, Syria and Egypt.

January 16, 2011 to present

Interim President and former Prime Minister Mohammed Gannouchi worked hard to create a

provisional governing body to rule Tunisia until elections could be held. There were several

demonstrations during January calling for the purging of Ben Ali friendly individuals in the parliament


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and executive branches of government and these demands were heard and acknowledged; on 26

January the interim government of Tunisia asked Interpol to issue a warrant for Ben Alis arrest.

Prime Minister Gannouchi stepped down on 27 February being replaced by Fouad Mebazaa who

immediately announced that new elections to assemble a council of representatives to rewrite the

constitution would be held on 24 July.

January 21, 2011

5000 people take to the streets in the Jordanian capital of Amman; demonstrating against increases

in fuel prices as well as higher level of taxation imposed by the government.

January 22, 2011

In Algeria 42 people are injured as protesters march to the parliament building in Algiers; the

protesters are not granted permission for their march and are subsequently met by reinforced police.

January 25, 2011

In what has been known as the day of rage tens ofthousands ofEgyptians take to the streets

demanding the end of the regime of Hosni Mubarak in place since 1981. The initiative that started as

a Facebook group enjoyed widespread support in all tiers of Egyptian society. Further the Muslim

Brotherhood, a long since banned oppositional group in Egypt announced its support for the day of

rage marches, as did former head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) Mohammed El-

Barardei, who returned to Egypt from his home in Vienna. The protesters march to the central Tahrir

Square, where they set camp. The Square became a symbolic stronghold of the protesters

throughout the struggle against Mubarak.

January 27, 2011

16 000 protesters gather in the streets of the Yemenicapital of Sanaa demanding the resignation of

President Ali Abduhllah Saleh.

February 1, 2011

Faced with persistent demonstrators who are not satisfied with the concessions Mubarak had made

since the day of rage, Mubarak, on national television announced that he would not seek re-

election in the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections.

Also on 1 February

The Jordanian King, King Abdullah, dissolves the government, and nominates Marouf al-Bakhit, a

former army general to create a new cabinet.

February 2, 2011

President Ali Abduhllah Saleh ofYemen announces, after pressure from protesters, that he will not

seek re-election in the 2013 presidential elections. The Yemeni population was not satisfied with that

promise, and stated that they would, on every Thursday, march in the capital Sanaa until Saleh

stepped down.


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Also on February 2

Armed thugs mounted on camel backs raid the Tahrir Square injuring and killing several

demonstrators the incident is referred to as the battle of the camel

February 11, 2011

After weeks of protests and numerous deaths due to clashes between protesters and pro-Mubarak

elements, Mubarak announced that he would step down as Egyptian President. There had also

throughout the process been significant international pressure on Mubarak, with e.g. the U.S. making

several statements alluding to the resignation of Mubarak. Preliminary death tolls of the tumultuous

events that led to the resignation of Mubarak were put to over three hundred; the numbers were

reported by Human Rights Watch and should be viewed as rough estimates based on visits to

hospitals and interviews with witnesses. Mubarak handed power to the military upon his resignation.

February 14, 2011

Crowds gathered in the Bahraini capital of Manama to protest corruption, unemployment and to

generally voice their discontent with the ruling monarchy in Bahrain. The protesters gathered at the

Pearl Roundabout, and the traffic circle became, just as the Tharir Square in Cairo, a symbolic

congregation point for the protesters.

February 17, 2011

A day of revolt is organised in Libya, encouraging people to gather in the streets and voice their

disapproval of Muammar Gaddafi and his regime. The response from Gaddafi was quick and brutal;

mercenaries and even armed prisoners were deployed with orders to clear the streets of

demonstrators.

February 18, 2011

Internet access is cut off in Libya, hampering the coordination of the protests, since the coordination

relied heavily on different social media, such as Facebook and twitter.

Also on the 18 February

Bahraini government forces raid the Pearl Roundabout, firing live ammunition against unarmed

protesters.

February 19, 2011

Reports of helicopter gunships being used to target protesters, along with anti-aircraft missiles were

filed from the Libyan capital Tripoli. A funeral procession was attacked resulting 15 civilian deaths.

February 21, 2011

Gaddafis oldest son, Salif al-Islam, appeared on national television warning both of a future of

fragmented Islamic emirates if the developments continued, and the eruption of civil war in Libya.


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February 20, 2011

Simultaneous rallies in Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh, calling for a new constitution and an end to

widespread corruption, take place in Morocco. The demonstrators do not, however, demand the

abolishment of the monarchy, but instead called for a more legitimate democracy. The

demonstrations evolved into riots; five persons are killed in an arson attack against a bank in Rabat.

February 22, 2011

Gaddafi delivers a speech on Libyan national television, in which he blames the U.S, Al-Quaeda, the

Devil and almost the entire western world, who he referrers to as dogs, for the state of affairs in

Libya. He also stated that he would not leave Libya; that he would rather die as a martyr than give up

his powers.

Also on 22 February

A martyrs march is organised in Manama, Bahrain, commemorating the individuals who died earlierduring the week. Reports put the number of demonstrators participating in the march at over

100 000, roughly 12% of the countrys population. The military backed down from the Pearl

Roundabout, and it was once again used as a headquarters for the protesters.

February 24, 2011

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika lifts the emergency rule, in place since 1992, after pressure

from protesters and oppositional powers within Algeria.

Also on the 24 February

The Libyan rebels announce that they are in complete control of the Eastern city Tobruk, located

close to the Egyptian border.

February 27, 2011

In Libya the formation of a National Transitional Council (NTC)1

is announced, headed by former

minister of Justice, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, who in the preceding week defected from the government,

allegedly in protest over the level of violence used against the protesters. Gaddafi continues his

relentless campaign against the rebels.

March 10, 2011

France, as the first country, recognizes the National Transitional Council as the legitimate

government ofLibya.

March 17, 2011

1In this text the Libyan opposition is referred to as the National Transitional Council regarding politics, and

Libyan rebels regarding fighting. This decision is based on the vague information as to what level of control theNational Transitional Council exerts concerning the violence taking place.


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A month after the initial day of protest in Libya, the UN Security Council votes in favour of resolution

1973. The resolution contains a no-fly zone over Libyan air-space, thereby disabling Gaddafis air-

force. The decision was reached after intense debate; the vote was not unanimous, ten were in

favour, while five abstained (Brazil, China, Germany, India and the Russian Federation). During the

preceding month Gaddafi had used his airspace extensively to indiscriminately shell cities, towns and

villages he suspected of harbouring rebels.

March 17, 2011 to present

The situation in Libya since the inception of the no-fly zone is best described as that of a stalemate,

in which the rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces battle along the Mediterranean coastline conquering

cities only to be driven out of them days, or even hours later. Even though the no-fly zone is in effect

Gaddafi continues the indiscriminate bombings of cities and residential areas. There have been

reports of pro-Gaddafi forces using the long since banned cluster type bombs that are designed to

inflict a large number of injuries and/or deaths. The cluster bombs are banned since they are

regarded too dangerous to the civilian population to be used. They cant ensure minimum civilian

suffering, quite the contrary.

March 16, 2011

Syrian security forces break up a peaceful gathering in the Marjeh square of Damascus. The

approximately 150 protesters were holding up pictures of imprisoned relatives and friends.

March 18, 2011

After a month of protests, which on occasion resulted in limited violence, security forces open fire on

demonstrators in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, killing over forty people. As a reaction President Salehdeclares Yemen to be under emergency rule.

Also on 18 March

Syrian security forces kill three demonstrators in the southern town of Daraa, as they took part in

peaceful protests demanding political freedoms and an end to corruption. The demonstrations were

triggered by the arrest of a teenage boy writing anti-government graffiti.

March 20, 2011

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh fires his entire cabinet, a move that is deemed to be too littletoo late by most observers. The Presidents own tribe, traditionally a strong support base, demanded

Salehs resignation.

March 23, 2011

Syrian security forces kill six demonstrators as they open fire on a demonstration in the Omari

mosque complex in Daraa. The security forces then open fire on youths marching in solidarity of their

fallen comrades.

March 24, 2011


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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announces the lifting of emergency laws, in effect over the past 48

years; he also announced the formation of a committee whose sole purpose is to increase living

standards in Syria.

April 1, 2011

Four protesters are killed as Syrian security forces open fire upon them in the Damascus suburb of

Dourma.

April 8, 2011

Security forces kill at least 27 people in Daraa. The deaths occurred in connection to the Friday

prayers as Syrian security forces opened fire shooting rubber-coated bullets and live rounds in order

to, as they state, disperse stone throwing crowds.

April 10, 2011

A ship carrying 72 migrants trying to reach the Italian island Lampedusa is washed up on the Libyan

coast, 150 km east of Tripoli, of the 72 passengers 11 are still alive, two of whom died upon reaching

the hospital. According to media the ship, which left Libya on 25 March had been observed by several

aircrafts and ships, and despite pleas for help none had responded.

April 23, 2011

Anti-government protests are dispersed throughout Syria; over 70 people are killed during the day

according to Human Rights Watch. The situation in Syria has, up until now, been characterized by

several semi-organised demonstration being broken up by the Syrian security forces.

Also on 23 April

Faced by immense pressure from both the increasing number of protesters, but also from his own

tribe, and political allies, Yemeni President Saleh signs a document that stipulates his retirement

within thirty days.

April 25, 2011

Syrian armed forces backed by tanks and heavy armour storm Daraa and Doura resulting in

numerous deaths.

April 26, 2011

International pressure is mounting, and UN secretary general Ban Ki Mon has called for an

international probe into the killings carried out by the Syrian security forces. The U.S. announced

that they, together with Britain are looking in to the possibility of imposing sanctions on Syria.

April 27, 2011

Despite the international communities condemning of the Syrian response to the popular uprising

President Assad has ordered reinforcements in terms of more tanks and heavy armour to be sent to

Deraa and Doura.


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April 30, 2011

During an air-raid NATO aircraft bomb a residential area in Tripoli, Libya. Among the victims of the

raid are Gaddafis son Seif Arab Gaddafi, along with three grandchildren of Gaddafi who were also

killed.

May 1, 2011

Several embassies and UN locations in Tripoli, Libya, are attacked by pro Gaddafi forces; the Gaddafi

government was condemned by Britain, the U.S. and Italy, among others, for neglecting the

responsibility to protect foreign diplomats. Further, pro Gaddafi forces have mined the harbour in

Misrata, hampering the efforts of delivering humanitarian aid to the affected population.

Also on 1 May

Syrian security forces arrest 500 people in and around the city Daraa, in an effort to quell the anti-

government protests that emanate from the city.

Also on 1 May

The US impose targeted economic sanctions on, amongst others, SyrianPresident Assads brother, in

command of the fourth Armoured Division, and Assads cousin former leader of the Political Security

Directorate in Daraa Province. The U.S. argue that these individuals, along with a handful others are

responsible for the atrocities in Daraa. President Assad himself is not included in the sanctions.

May 2, 2011

Swiss banks announce that they have frozen LibyanPresident Gaddafis assets in Swiss banks, with atotal value over 260 million

May 3, 2011

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges Gaddafi to quit his actions, Erdogan, long-time

friend and ally ofLibya has been criticised for not taking action on the matter earlier.

May 4, 2011

In the Syrian coastal city of Banias approximately 1000people march carrying loafs of bread to show

solidarity with the citizens of the besieged city of Daraa. Reports of mass arrests and subsequenthanding out of three year prison sentences for the crime of degrading the prestige of the state are

filed from Daraa.

Also on 4 May

The ship Red Star One, anchored off the coast of Misrata since April 30 was able to come into port

unloading humanitarian supplies and evacuating more than one thousand immigrant workers. The

Albanian registered Red Star One is carrying approximately 180 tons of food and water as well as

hygienic supplies. International humanitarian organisations are expressing concerns over the Berber

population in the eastern mountainous regions ofLibya; witnesses are stating that over eight


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thousand migrants, mostly of Berber ethnicity have fled, and are fleeing over the mountains and into

Tunisia.

Also on 4 May

The Palestinian organisations Hamas and Fatah, bitter rivals and enemies agreed, under themediation of the new Egyptian government to bury the hatchet and reconcile peacefully. This

political move by the Egyptian government is viewed with aversion by the Israeli government who

saw this as a destabilising move affecting the security in the region.

May 5, 2011

During a meeting in Rome the financial situation of the Libyan rebels, the National Transitional

Council, is discussed. The finances of the organisation are dire and the international community

agreed to grant them loans, using Gaddafis frozen assets as safety.

May 6, 2011

Syrian armed forces increase their presence in the cities of Homs, Banias and Rastan, as well as in

several suburbs of Damascus. Even though the response from the Syrian army has been particularly

brutal, the resolve of the demonstrators has not diminished. According to human rights organisations

over 60 civilians were killed during the last week in Syria. As anticipated the Friday prayers gathered

large masses who were attacked by government troops. Over 25 persons died in the city of Homs

when armoured tanks were deployed to curb the demonstrations.

May 7, 2011

Syrian troops, backed by tanks stormed the city of Baniyas initial reports estimated the death toll to

approximately six dead.

Also on 7 May

The human rights organisation Sawasiah estimates the death toll from the last seven weeks of unrest

in Syria to over 800.

Also on 7 May

Egypt is rocked by religious violence as Christian Copts and Muslim Salafists clash in a Cairo suburb,

leaving at least 12 people dead and over 200 people wounded. The interim military leadership in

Egypt announce that the perpetrators will be tried before a military court.

May 8, 2011

The Norwegian government declares that they are withdrawing their contingency of fighter-jets from

the NATO led campaign in Libya by the end of June.

May 10, 2011

NATO forces conduct an extensive raid over Tripoli, Libya, bombing communication centres and

other military targets, NATO categorically denied that they are targeting Gaddafi, a statement that is

rejected by pro-Gaddafi elements within Libya, stressing the fact that the NATO operations are


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illegal. Rumours concerning the faith of Gaddafi began to surface since he has not been visible since

April 30 speculations concerning Gaddafis status and if he was alive or dead flourished. There has

not yet been any confirmation of the status of Gaddafi.

Also on 10 May

The UNs refugee coordinator Valerie Amos states that approximately 750 000 people have fled Libya

since the beginning of the unrest, in addition to that number several thousand migrants are stranded

along various borders.

May 11, 2011

UNHCR estimated, on this day, that approximately 800 Libyan migrants have died trying to escape

Libya by boat.

May 13, 2011

Jalil, leader of the Libyan Transitional Council travelled to Washington and held meetings with

representatives of the Obama administration in the White House.

Also on 13 May

Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini claims that he has intelligence alluding to the possibility of

Gaddafi being wounded and seeking to leave Libya. An audio message was played on Libyan state

television in which Gaddafi denounced the claims that he was injured. He further stated that the on-

going enforcement of the no-fly zone was a cowardly act, especially the bombings of his

headquarters, and that he was in a place where the NATO bombs could not reach him.

May 14, 2011

Syrian security forces initiate a crackdown on the town of Talkalakh bordering Lebanon. At least four

persons are killed and 20 wounded.

May 15, 2011

The indiscriminate shelling of Talkalakh, Syria, continues during the day, causing 7 deaths. Over 2000

people reportedly fled to Lebanon in just 48 hours.

May 16, 2011

The crackdown on Talkalakh and the wider rural border area with Lebanon enters its third day when

snipers are deployed by the Syrian regime in order to quell anti-Assad sentiments in the border

areas. There are also reports of a mass grave being discovered near the city of Draa containing 16

bodies. The total death toll of the offensive in Talkalakh during the past three days reached 12 on the

16/5.

Also on 16 May

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announce that he will

seek arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam and Gaddafis brother in law, Abdullah Sanusi


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who is acting intelligence chief. Moreno-Ocampo claims that he has evidence of Gaddafi ordering

attacks on unarmed civilians in Libya, thereby committing crimes against humanity.

May 18, 2011

The U.S. tightens its sanctions towards Syria to include President Assad as well as the individuals thatare targeted in the previous sanctions.

Also on 18 May

A Swedish activist is on 18 of May sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Bahraini court for his

participation in the uprisings in Bahrain.

May 19, 2011

Gaddafi forces shell several Libyan towns with grad rockets, while at the same time NATO forces step

up their offensive, pledging a more aggressive targeting of Gaddafis air-capabilities.

Also on 19 May

Syrian authorities announced that they are withdrawing troops from the besieged town of Talkalakh,

opposition groups claim that over 30 people have been killed during the four day siege.

May 20, 2011

During the night between 19-20 May NATO war-planes hit and sank eight Libyan war-ships, the ships

had previously been used by Gaddafi forces to bomb the coastal cities along the Mediterranean Sea.

Also on 20 May

Reports that the Syrian security services fired live ammunition at unarmed demonstrators in the city

of Homs are filed; there were also reports of large demonstrations taking place in Banias and the

eastern city Qamishil.

May 22, 2011

Yemeni President Saleh announces that he refuses to step down, enraging large parts of the

population. The main opposition and the party that has engaged Saleh in battle is the clan of Sheik

Sadiq al-Ahmar.

Also on 22 May

France announces that they are sending helicopters to Libya in an attempt to get closer to the

targets on the ground. The contingent is made up of twelve attack helicopters based on a French ship

in the Mediterranean.

May 23, 2011

During fire-fights between forces loyal to Sheik al-Ahmar and Salehs troops six people are killed in

the Yemeni capital Sanaa.

May 24, 2011


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NATO war-planes carry out the most intense raid on Libyan capital Tripoli since the beginning of the

enforcement of the no-fly zone. 15 targets are hit in central Tripoli all stated to be command centres

used by Gaddafi to coordinate his armed forces.

May 25, 2011

Several influential EU-countries jointly condemn Syrias use of force against unarmed civilians;

human rights organisations put the death toll of President Assads attempt to quell the uprising at

1000 over the past ten weeks.

Also on 25 May

Libyas Prime Minister Baghadi Ali Mahmudi, it was rumoured, would propose a UN monitored

cease-fire, granting amnesty to the parties in the conflict, he did however stress the fact that Gaddafi

by no means would agree to be forced into exile. The number of NATO bomb raids on Libya had on

the 25 May reached 2300, in these raids approximately 98 of Gaddafis 2000 armoured vehicles have

been eliminated and around 40 commando centrals have been eradicated.

May 26, 2011

During a five day period approximately 40 people lost their lives in Yemen, the situation which is

starting to develop into a full-fledged internal conflict between Saleh and al-Ahmar is closely

monitored by international observers working to halt the developments before the country slips too

far into the quagmire of internal conflict.

Also on 26 May

Libyas ambassador to the EU announced on this day that he, and his entire staff, are defecting and

joining the rebel cause. The ambassador, Hadeiba al-Hadi released a written statement in which he

explained the decision to defect by referring to the amount of innocent blood that had been spilt on

behalf of the Gaddafi regime.

May 27, 2011

Three protesters are shot to death in the eastern town of Deir al-Zor, the security forces opened fire

to disperse demonstrators who had gathered after the Friday prayers.

Also on 27 May

Protesters gather again at the Tahrir Square in Cairo to voice their disapproval of the military council

ruling Egypt since the ouster of President Mubarak.

Also on 27 May

After fierce battles between clan members led by sheik Asim and forces loyal to Yemeni President

Saleh a cease fire is agreed upon in order to engage in negotiations.

May 28, 2011

Egypt reopens its Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, enabling the citizens of Gaza to freely

cross the border for the first time in four years. This move was a sharp departure from the politics


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enforced by Mubarak; Israeli officials voiced their concern with the developments as they feared that

military personnel and material would be made available to Hamas fighters in Gaza.

May 29, 2011

Armed men storm and capture the Yemeni city Zinjibar in southern Yemen, 21 people are killed inthe capture of the city. Residents who escaped claimed that the invaders were affiliated with al-

Qaida.

Also on 29 May

On the night between Sunday and Monday the Yemeni security forces stormed the freedom square,

were protesters had gathered during the last four months. Backed by tanks and heavy artillery the

security forces cleared the square of protesters, an action that led to the death of 20 people.

Also on 29 May

In Syria, soldiers backed by tanks open fire on demonstrators killing eleven. The killings took place in

the cities of Rastan, Talbiasa and Homs, in central Syria.

Also on the 29 May

Moroccan police disperse 15 000 protesters that had gathered on the streets of Casablanca to

demand improved living standards, democratic reforms and lower unemployment figures. A dozen

arrests were made in connection to the demonstrations; there are no reports of casualties.

May 30, 2011

120 army officers, among them five generals and two colonels have deserted since the instigation of

the conflict in Libya. On 30 May the five generals and two colonels appeared in Rome and explain

their reasons for defecting, they stated that Gaddafis warfare against his own people was the cause

of their defection.

Also on 30 May

South African President Jacob Zuma visit Tripoli, Libya, as a representative for the African Union (AU),

in an effort to reach a cease fire and to guarantee that the necessary humanitarian aid does in fact

reach its recipients. There is no report on to what extent Zuma achieved the desired goals of the AU

Also on 30 May

NATO general secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen states that Gaddafis reign of terror is about to end,

that Gaddafi is becoming more and more isolated both domestically and internationally. The

statement comes as NATO war-planes bombed the Libyan city of Zlitan, located between Tripoli and

Misrata. Eleven people are reported to have died in the bombings.

Also on 30 May

According to UN over 50 persons are killed by police in the Yemeni city of Taizz, the police dispersed

demonstrators using live ammunition.


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May 31, 2011

The cease fire, initiated just a few days earlier, is broken as fighting again erupts in the Yemeni

capital Sanaa.

June 1, 2011

The emergency law, in effect since March, is lifted on the first of June. The Bahraini King promises

unconditional talks concerning reforms starting the first of July.

Also on 1 June

The NATO alliance announces that the operation in Libya will be prolonged, to the 1 September.

Libyan sources close to Gaddafi claimed that over 700 civilians have died, and 4000 have been

injured in the bomb-raids carried out by the NATO coalition. The casualty numbers presented by the

Libyan government are contradicted by foreign journalists in Tripoli who have not seen civilian

casualties to the extent that Gaddafi claims. NATO stressed the fact that they are solely bombingmilitary targets based on intelligence from sources on the ground in Libya, in combination with aerial

recognisance missions, flown predominantly by Swedish JAS fighter jets.

Also on June 1

A judge in Cairo, Egypt, announces that ex-president Mubaraks trial will begin on 3 August. The

charges include corruption, abuse of power and premeditated murder as he ordered the military to

fire live ammunition towards unarmed demonstrators. He risks being sentenced to death.

June 3, 2011

In battles over the Yemenicapital Sanaa the presidential palace was shelled by rocket fire. The

Yemeni President Saleh was injured in the attack. The scope of his injury was at first not revealed and

speculations concerning the health of Saleh are ripe. It was later announced that he contracted 40 %

burns during the attacks and was flown to the Saudi city of Riyadh for treatment. In his absence vice

president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is acting president of Yemen.

June 4, 2011

The population ofYemen celebrated the departure of president Saleh, the army however continues

the crackdown on oppositional forces and reportedly shelled the Freedom Square in Taiz with tanks.

June 6, 2011

Bahraini police clash with Shia Muslim demonstrators during a religious festival, according to sources

the police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters that had congregated in the

outskirts of the capital Manama.

June 7, 2011

Spains foreign minister Trinidad Jimenez states that Spain recognizes the Transitional Council as the

only legitimate representatives of the Libyan people.

Also on 7 June


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During fighting in the southern Yemeni province of Abyan approximately 30 people are killed, 21 of

which are reportedly Al-Qaeda soldiers. The Yemeni President Saleh, who was wounded in a rocket

attack, has not been able to receive any visitors and speculations concerning his health are frequent

in both domestic and international media. An anonymous source claims that Saleh has problems

breathing and is completely covered in gauze due to the extensive burns he reportedly suffered

during the attack.

June 13, 2011

Reports from the Libyanrebels accuse Gaddafis forces to use false capitulation as a means of

fighting. The rebel General Mussa Moghrabi witnessed a contingent of 20 soldiers from the forces

loyal to Gaddafi hailing a white flag and marched towards the rebels, then at point blank range killing

21 rebel soldiers.

June 14, 2011

Pictures of Gaddafi playing chess with the Russian chess champ and president of the international

chess federation Kirsan Iljumzjinov surprised the international media as they were broadcasted via

Libyan state television. It was later announced that Iljumzjinov was representing the Russian foreign

ministry and was negotiating with Gaddafi. Gaddafi kept making similar statements as he had

previously; that he would not leave Libya, and that he did not understand the demands, since he,

according to him had no post to resign from. Iljumzjinov also met with the rebels of the Transitional

Council. The different approaches of Russia and the NATO coalition, that seems to have been on-

going without any coordination is perhaps a sign of the rift between Russia and NATO. Russia was, as

mentioned above one of the five countries who abstained from the vote concerning the no-fly zone

over Libya.

June 16, 2011

During the preceding weeks the Syrian forces are said to have engaged in scorched earth tactics

while repressing anti-government demonstrations and sentiments. The tactics have produced large

refugee flows, and there are an estimated 10 000 Syrians in neighbouring Turkey. The testimonials

from the refugees speak of indiscriminate killing on behalf of the government forces, sparing none,

not even cattle. Further the refugees testify of burning and demolishing entire villages, pouring

gasoline into fresh water wells, forcing the population to flee. A complicated factor is that Turkey has

not granted the refugees proper refugee status, rather they refer to the refugees as guests, a

difference in status that might prove important.

Also on 16 June

The UN commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay claims that over 1000 people have been killed

during President Assads clampdown on anti-government demonstrations and uprisings. Further

Pillay claims that Syrian security forces have arrested and in some cases tortured over 10000

persons.

June 17, 2011


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Reports from Libya, indicates that Gaddafi would be willing to arrange referendums to determine

who, and in what way Libya should be ruled. The statement was made by Gaddafis son, Saif al-Islam

during an interview with Italian newspaper Corriera della Sera. The offer was quickly rejected by the

Libyan rebels.

Also on 17 June

The European Union has, according to diplomatic sources discussed the possibility to widen the

sanctions against Syrian President Assad.

June 19, 2011

NATO admitted that they had missed targets during bomb-raids over Tripoli on the 19 June; they also

admitted that on 16 June they by mistake targeted rebel forces during a bomb campaign. The Libyan

government claimed that nine civilians were killed during the Tripoli bombings, NATO have not

commented on any figures, they have however apologised for the civilian casualties and claimed that

the stray bomb was a caused by systemic error in the bomb itself witch caused it to hit a unintended

target.

June 22, 2011

In an attack on a prison in the southern Yemeni town of Mukalla approximately 40 inmates escaped.

An unspecified number of these are said to be al-Quaeda operatives.

June 23, 2011

In interviews conducted with Syrian refugees further details of the situation were made public, a

soldier who switched sides testified of orders to shoot at unarmed civilians.

June 27, 2011

The International Crime Court in The Hague issues an arrest warrant for Libyan leader Gaddafi and

his son Saif-al Islam. Since Libya has not ratified the Rome Statue that is necessary for extradition of

suspected criminals Gaddafi and Saif-al Islam will not be extradited, but they will not be able to travel

abroad. Gaddafi joins a small, infamous group of incumbent leaders accused of war-crimes, up until

the end of June Sudanese President Omar al Bashir was the only member of that shady group.

Also on 27 June

27 June marks the hundredth day of NATO enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya.

June 28, 2011

Demonstrators once again clash with riot police at the Tahrir square in central Cairo. The

demonstrations are held to honour the people who died during the initial protests in Egypt. The

military council that stepped in after Mubarak was ousted has received a lot of criticism for the lack

of change. The demonstrators that gathered on the Tahrir square demanded that the entire ministry

of interior that was in place under Mubarak should be tried for murder because of the actions during

the protests in January and February of 2011. According to the Egyptian health ministryapproximately 1000 people were wounded in the demonstrations, 200 of which had to receive


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July 8, 2011

Approximately half a million people demonstrated on the streets of the Syrian city Hama. There are

also reports of protests in Aleppo and Damascus, as well as other major cities, the Syrian government

responded, as they have previously, with violence, according to Syrian activists 13 people were killed

by the security forces.

July 11, 2011

The Yemeni republican guard carried out bombings against the southern city of Taiz, two civilians

were reportedly killed, along with over ten serious injuries. There had been demonstrations and

gatherings in Taiz demanding president Salehs resignation.

July 12, 2011

Egypts deputy PM resigned due to persistent demands by demonstrators calling for his resignation.

Yehia el-Gamal, had on an earlier occasion handed in a letter of resignation which had not beenaccepted by the military council ruling Egypt. The general sentiment in Egypt has for the last couple

of weeks been one of impatience with the military council and the lack of progress, which has led to

renewed protests at the Tahrir Square.

July 13, 2011

According to the French foreign minister Alain Jupp the Gaddafi regime has indicated that Gaddafi is

willing to step down, he referred to informal meetings in which representatives of the Libyan regime

alluded to the possibility of Gaddafi resigning.

July 14, 2011

During the preceding weeks the Syrian security forces have carried out several operations

throughout the country producing refugee flows to neighbouring Turkey.

Also on 14 July

Investigators found that the former speaker of the upper house of the Egyptian parliament, Safwat

al-Sharif, was guilty of masterminding the battle of the camel, that took place on the Tahrir square

on 2 February. The accusation is regarding murder for the orders that al-Sharif gave armed thugs

mounted on camels, to attack the protesters on the square, and kill them if they had to.

July 15, 2011

A meeting attended by representatives of the UN, NATO, EU and a number of foreign ministers is

held on the topic ofLibyas future, in Istanbul. France was apparently the driving force behind the

meeting, the French Prime Minister Franois Fillion spoke before the French Parliament speaking of

the possibility of a negotiated solution to the situation I Libya.

Also on 15 July

Protesters once again gather on the Tarhrir Square demanding change and voicing their disapproval

with the current military council ruling Egypt.


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Egypts Justice Ministry announced that former ruler Mubarak and his sons will be charged in Cairo

for their involvement in the killings of unarmed protesters at the Tahrir Square during the popular

uprisings in the beginning of the year. The doubts concerning Mubaraks health were addressed by

the health minister who assured the public that Mubarak was in good enough condition to stand trial

on August 3.

Also on 28 July

The Libyanrebels army chief of staff, Abdel Fatah Younnis, is killed by what is believed to be pro-

Gaddafi forces as he was returning from the frontline. Initial reports talked about Younnis being

arrested by his own forces, those rumours led to speculations about an internal conflict within the

rebel ranks. The cause of, and perpetrators of his death are not clear as of today, so the speculations

are abundant, and the actual facts will surely be presented with varying degree of bias by both the

rebel side and the pro Gaddafi forces.

Also on 28 July

The Libyan rebels capture the strategically important city of al-Ghazaya near the Tunisian border. The

town has been used by Gaddafi forces to fire missiles at the rebel bases at the nearby town of Nalut.

The town has further strategic importance as it allows the rebels access to the Tunisian border.

July 29, 2011

Protesters are expected to gather at the Tahrir Square in Cairo after the Friday prayers. The people of

Egypt have voiced their concern with the developments since the fall of Mubarak and have vowed to

continue the protests until change is delivered. The protests that were initially meant to show unity

among the Egyptian people was on the contrary a mix of different interest, advocates for a Muslimstate centred around the Koran and the Sharia laws, and supporters for a secular democratic Egypt.

There were no clashes reported, but the protests showed the diverging interests of the Egyptian

people and the difficulties that lie ahead.

Also on 29 July

Bahrains King, Hamad bin Isa, approved parliamentary reforms with the aim of making the political

system in Bahrain more democratic. The critics are however unimpressed and stress the fact that the

changes are in fact for the gallery, as the lower house of parliament that is affected by the changes

can still be vetoed by the upper house that is appointed by the royal elite.

July 30, 2011

In Yemen 21 people are killed in a gun battle between loyalist soldiers and rebels. Six soldiers, seven

rebels and eight clansmen loyal to the regime are the victims of the battle that took place in the

province of Abyan.

1 August, 2011

The European Golf Tour announces that it would cancel the tournament that was scheduled for the

beginning of 2012 in Bahrain due to security issues. This is the second major sport event that has


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been cancelled (the Formula one race scheduled for the 23 March was also cancelled) since the start

of the uprisings and political instability in Bahrain.

August 3, 2011

The trial against former Egyptian President Mubarak starts, lying in a caged hospital bed Mubarakclaimed to be not guilty on all charges. The charges include, misuse of power and murder to name a

few.

Also on 3 August

The UN Security Council condemned the violence being perpetrated towards civilians on behalf of

the Syrian regime

August 4, 2011

Approximately 100 refugees are discovered in the cargo hold of a ship, adrift in the Mediterraneanafter an engine failure. The refugees were Libyan, headed for the Italian island of Lampedusa

August 5, 2011

Rumours are circulating that Libyanruler Gaddafis son, Khamis Gaddafi, was killed in an overnight

bomb raid; the death has not been confirmed and has only been reported by the rebel side.

August 6, 2011

Yemeni president Saleh is reportedly well enough to leave the Saudi hospital in which he has been

since the attacks on his palace in June; the Yemeni Prime Minister who was also injured in the attack

was released from the hospital earlier during the day. Both Saleh and his Prime Minister plan on

staying in Saudi Arabia.

August 7, 2011

Approximately 80 people are killed during the day on several locations throughout Syria. An estimate

from Syrian activists put the number of people arbitrarily arrested at over 12 000.

August 8, 2011

As a reaction to the increased violence Kuwait recalls its ambassador from Syria, the recalling is a

sign of a tougher stance towards Syria amongst the Arab states.

August 13, 2011

At least 20 people are killed in several locations in Syria, in connection with the Friday prayers.

August 15, 2011

Turkeys foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu issues a strong condemnation of the Syrian regimes

violence against unarmed civilians, This will be our last warning to Syria is the statement that

Davutoglu delivered.

August 14, 2011


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The Libyan rebels advanced during the weekend and by Sunday they had control over the

strategically important city of al-Zawiya, located just 50 kilometres to the west of Tripoli. The rebels

have also gained control over the city Surman, 70 kilometres east of the capital. During the fighting

for Surman the rebels lost ten soldiers.

August 16, 2011

The Netherlands, as the first country to acknowledge the WHO pledge to release frozen assets of

Gaddafi, donates 100 million to medicine for the Libyan population.

Also on August 16

A commission investigating the violent repression of the popular uprisings in Bahrain this spring was

stormed by an angry mob. A rumour that the commission would acquit the government of

wrongdoing is believed to be the trigger of the violence. There is no mention of deaths or injuries in

connection to the mob.

Also on August 16

23 Yemeni clan warriors were killed in an overnight battle with government troops in an area north

of the capital Sanaa

August 17, 2011

Fighting is reported from the outskirts of Tripoli as the Libyan rebels advance and tightens the

encirclement of Gaddafi.

Also on August 17, 2011

The Yemeni opposition announces that they have formed an organisation, the National Revolution

Council, as a first step towards establishing a new government in Yemen.

August 18, 2011

The Libyan rebels take control over the major oil refinery located close to Tripoli, thereby cutting of

the oil supply to the capital and severely limiting Gaddafi and his forces.

Also on August 18

The UN issues a report covering the violence against civilians in Syria, based on video-clips,

witnesses, wounded demonstrators the report concludes that the Syrian security forces have indeed

fired indiscriminately at unarmed protesters. Simultaneously President Obama made a strong

statement in which he calls on Assad to resign. Obama pointed out that Assad is torturing, killing and

imprisoning his own people and that the Syrian people must be allowed to define and shape their

own future. In the wake of Obamas staunch speech several European leaders are following suit.

Prior to the speeches by Obama and his European colleagues President Assad promised, in a

telephone conversation with UNs Secretary General Ban Ki Mon that he would immediately cease

any violent repression of protests within Syria.

August 19, 2011


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American intelligence sources claim that Gaddafi is preparing to flee Libya with his family and seek

shelter in Tunisia. These facts have not been verified. NATO bomb-planes have during the night

carried out substantial bombings over Tripoli. The tactic from the rebel side is to weaken the

resistance from Gaddafi and if possible convert the loyal forces still in Tripoli.

Also on August 19

Despite the promises Assad continues to use indiscriminate violence against unarmed protesters in

Syria, according to witness statements in Homs the military are firing live ammunition towards

protesters. Six people are killed as security forces stormed a mosque in Inkhil village; another eleven

people are reportedly killed in Homs, Hama and the Damascus suburb of Harasta. These figures

might very well be subject to revision as the operations are on-going.

August 20, 2011

In a concerted effort Libyanrebels advance on Tripoli, moving in from the east, west and south and

with aerial support from NATO warplanes encircling Tripoli. The ensuing battles have been

favourable to the rebels who have managed to fight back the Gaddafi loyalists and apart from a few

pockets of resistance and reports of snipers Tripoli was by Monday 22 August in the hands of the

National Transitional Council2. By Monday the symbolic Green Square in the centre of Tripoli was

held by the rebel forces, it was quickly renamed the Martyrs Square.

August 23, 2011

Saif al-Islam, one of Gaddafis sons who reportedly had been arrested by the rebels on the day before

appeared outside of a hotel were a majority of the western journalists covering the situation in Libya

were staying. He denied the fact that he had been arrested and claimed that his father was in fact incontrol of the situation. The reappearance of Saif al-Islam amounted to confusion since his arrest had

been confirmed by the International Crime Court in The Hague, the whereabouts of Saif are currently

unknown.

August 24, 2011

As the rebels advanced thru Tripoli journalists report of horrendous scenes on the streets of the

contested neighbourhoods in the Libyan Capital; corpses line the streets and on one occasion a field

hospital was discovered with all its patients summarily executed, some of the 30 corpses were still

hooked up to the IV. It is not clear who carried out these atrocities.

August 25, 2011

Rumours are circulating that the British elite troops SAS are on the ground in Libya participating in

the on-going manhunt for Gaddafi. The British Prime Minister David Cameron has flatly denied any

involvement of the SAS troops on the ground in Libya.

Also on August 25, 2011

2As of capturing the Libyan capital Tripoli the Transitional Council is considered the legitimate government by

UCDP, in this text however they are, regardless of control of the capital, referred to as the Transitional NationalCouncil regarding politics, and Libyan rebels regarding violence and fighting.


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The UN announced that 1,5 billion U.S. dollars of frozen assets belonging to Gaddafi and his family

would be made available for the immediate need of humanitarian aid in Libya.

August 26, 2011

The Libyan Transitional Council announced that they have transferred their leadership from Benghazito Tripoli. Simultaneously the last pockets of resistance are being overrun in Tripoli and the rebel

forces are advancing towards Gaddafis home town Sirte. The headquarters of the Libyan intelligence

services, a notorious symbol for the oppression that the Libyan people have endured is now firmly in

the hands of the rebels.

August 27, 2011

Amnesty International claim, based on interviews and field work, that atrocities and war crimes has

been committed by both the Gaddafi loyalists and the rebel forces in Libya

August 31, 2011

After more than a week of fighting in Tripoli Gaddafi is still not apprehended, rumours concerning his

whereabouts are plenty and of a varying degree of credibility. In an audio message Gaddafis son Saif

al-Islam claimed that Gaddafi was in fact still in Tripoli and walked the streets in disguise. Gaddafis

whereabouts have since been an issue of speculation ever since Tripoli fell.

September 1, 2011

A Bahraini teenager is killed by the security forces as he attended a meeting of the Bahraini Youth

Society for Human Rights. The death of the boy brings the death toll for the violence in Bahrain to

over 30 since the beginning of the Arab Spring.

September 2, 2011

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that the NATO led mission to Libya would continue, as

long as its needed.

September 7, 2011

The political tensions in Egypt following the fall of Mubarak spread to the arena of professional

soccer as fans clashed with police during an Egyptian Cup game I Cairo. The supporters chanted anti

Mubarak slogans and later threw bottles at the police. There were reports of injuries on both sides

after the clashes.

September 9, 2011

Gaddafis son Saadi is reportedly seen in Niger, according to the U.S. foreign ministry he is placed

under house arrest. The support of Gaddafi is however strong in Niger as the Touareg tribes have

been favoured by Libya and Gaddafi during his time in power. The Touareg homelands are believed

to be a safe haven for former Gaddafi soldiers.

September 10, 2011


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Egyptian protesters attacked the Israeli embassy in Cairo, demolishing one outer wall and wreaking

havoc within the building. The Israeli staff and ambassador were flow back to Israel. The Egyptian PM

called for an emergency meeting of the cabinet. The attacks were, according to interviews with

participants a reaction to the shooting to death of five Egyptian border police men as Israeli forces

hunted a group of attackers across the Israeli/Egyptian border. The embassy attacks were

condemned by the U.S.

September 12, 2011

Gaddafi loyalist soldiers attacked an oil refinery in the coastal city Ras Lanuf, the refinery was in full

production as the attack occurred, and 15 guards were killed. The attack was carried out as oil

production in Libya has started after the fighting, oil production is reportedly at 50 000 barrels a day.

Also on September 12, 2011

At least 2600 people have died in Syria since the protests against Assad started this March. The

estimation comes from the UN human rights commissioner Navi Pillay.

September 13, 2011

The World Bank recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate representative of the

Libyan state.

September 15, 2011

The International Red Cross Committee announced that they during the past days had discovered

several mass graves in the Tripoli area. The Red Cross further stated that mass graves had been

found in the Nafusa Mountains in western Libya. As the Transitional Council is being recognized by a

large part of the governments in the world, Britain and France made official visits to Tripoli further

showing their support for the Council. British PM David Cameron and French President Sarkozy, they

held speeches and visited both politicians and rebel soldiers in Tripoli hospitals. The security was

rigorous during the visit, a remainder that the war is not over and that Gaddafi himself is still at large.

Also on September 15

Syrian activists have during a meeting in the Turkish city of Istanbul formed a Syrian National Council

to act as a united front against President Assad. The council consists of about 140 persons including

exiled opponents of the Assad regime, as well of dissidents within Syria.

September 16, 2011

The Libyan rebels have entered the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte, heavy fighting is reported. The city is

supposedly defended by elements of Gaddafis remaining troops and snipers are present creating a

dangerous and deadly situation.


Violence erupted in the Yemeni capital Sanaa in the form of street fighting. The bulk of the fighting

took place on Thursday night just after midnight. The fighting pitted anti Saleh tribes against


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supporters of President Saleh, the eruption of violence was a breach of the relative calm that has

been present in Yemen during the last few weeks.


The Syrian armed forces are reportedly reinforcing to meet the expected demonstrations that oftenfollow the Friday prayers.


Turkeys Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Libya as one stop on his North African tour.

Turkey has been supporters of the NTC and has supplied both boats to evacuate Mistrata when the

fighting was intense as well as monetary support for the rebels.

September 18, 2011

At least four protesters were killed on Sunday as anti-Assad protests continued unabated throughoutSyria. Among the victims was an 11 year old child, killed by a stray bullet.


The head of the Egyptian national election committee, Abdel Moez Ibrahim said that the first

elections in Egypt since the ouster of Mubarak will take place in a time period of several months

beginning on November 21, 2011 and continue through to January 3. Then a second round of

elections will be held from January 22 to March 4. The announcement of dates and a timetable for

the elections have been one of many demands that demonstrators have directed towards the

military council currently ruling Egypt.

September 20, 2011

In a speech at the UN the leader of the National Transitional Council, Jalil, estimated the number of

people killed in Libya since the conflict erupted to 25 000. The figure has not been confirmed and

should be regarded as a preliminary figure presented by one of the parties to the conflict.

September 21, 2011

The EU decided on Wednesday to impose further sanctions on the Assad regime in Syria, the

sanctions will, if signed by all member states, come into effect on Saturday. The widened sanctions

include a ban for European firms to from making new investments in the Syrian oil industry, as well

as a ban on delivery of Syrian banknotes and coins produced in the EU.

September 22, 2011

The Libyan rebels announced through the National Transitional Council on Thursday that they are in

complete control of Sabha. There are also reports about the discovery of deposits concerning

chemical weapons belonging to Gaddafi in the Sahara desert. A spokesperson for Gaddafi claims that

151 civilians have been killed by NATO air strikes and the advances by the Libyan rebels on Sabha,

these claims have not been confirmed.

September 23, 2011


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Yemeni president Saleh has reportedly returned to Yemen from Saudi Arabia where he received

treatment for injuries he sustained on the bomb attack on the presidential palace on June 3. The last

week has been particularly violent in Yemen with up to 100 deaths recorded both in fighting between

different military units backed by tribes and in attacks on anti-government protesters by Salehs

forces.

September 26, 2011

The search for ousted Libyan leader Gaddafi continues3

the latest intelligence alludes to the

possibility of Gaddafi hiding under the protection of Tuareg fighters in the vast Saharan desert to the

west of Tripoli close to the Algerian border. A mass grave containing the remains of what is believed

to be the victims of the 1996 massacre at the Abu Salim prison in Tripoli is found.

September 27, 2011

Libyan rebels captured the seaport of Sirte, located approximately one mile from the city centre.

Resistance from Gaddafi loyalists came mostly in the form of snipers located throughout the city. The

citizens of Sirte, who have been cut off from the rest of the world where reportedly clueless as to the

developments in Libya over the last few months; the news of the fall of Tripoli had not reached them,

further the Gaddafi loyalists present in the town had been informed that the rebel forces would kill

any civilian that left Sirte.

September 28, 2011

The minister of Justice in the National Transitional Council, Mohammed Alagi, stated on Wednesday

that, contrary to what was previously said the new government ofLibya would indeed cooperate

with Scottish authorities concerning the Lockerbie bombing of 1988.


A Bahraini court of Appeals determined the verdicts handed to 20 Bahraini citizens to life in prison

for attempts to overthrow the government in combination with the protests in February this year.

Among the arrested, and convicted, are one Swedish and one Danish citizen.

September 29, 2011

The U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, was attacked as demonstrators pelted his convoy with

eggs and tomatoes. Ford and his entourage were not injured although the embassy vehicles werebadly damaged.


The Libyan rebels advanced further towards capturing the entire city of Sirte on Thursday. They

assumed control of the airport in the city, for the second time in two weeks, last time the rebels were

pushed back by Gaddafi loyalists. This time the rebels, with aerial support from NATO hope to hold

the airport and advance into the downtown areas of Sirte. While advancing towards Sirte the rebels

apprehended the spokesman for the Gaddafi regime, Moussa Ibrahim.

3As of 14/10-2011 Gaddafi has not been captured.


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The Libyan rebels have launched the biggest offensive on the Libyan city Sirte today, a rebel

commander was cited saying that with the help of god we will have taken the city completely in two

days time. The offensive against Sirte has been on-going for over one week; the resistance has

however been still from the forces loyal to Gaddafi still in the city.

October 9, 2011

Protesting a church burning that took place earlier during the week in Aswan Egyptian Copts

arranged a demonstration in Cairo to bring attention to the impunity connected with the religious

violence directed towards the minority of Christian Copts in Egypt. The demonstrations, that started

out as a peace full manifestation demanding the resignation of the governor for not protecting the

church in Aswan, soon descended into violence. Video footage shows military vehicles being torched,

hundreds of people fighting with sticks and stones. In a series of disturbing videos that are circulating

on the internet it is clear that the military drove their armoured vehicles into the crowd, leading to

deaths as people were crushed under the heavy tanks. Both sides blame each other for instigating

the violence, there is no clear picture of what caused the escalation, the development is howevertroubling for the upcoming elections that are scheduled to take place at the end of November.

October 10, 2011

The military council in Egypt promised the day after the violence in Cairo that led to the death of 24

people that a committee would be put together and investigate the clashes. The message from the

council was clear, the responsible were to be found, and put before justice.

October 11, 2011

The Libyan rebels stated that they are currently in control of 90% of Sirte, in the reaming ten per centresistance is according to field commander Ibrahim Ashour, in command of the forces battling for

control of Sirte.

October 13, 2011

Amnesty international on Thursday stated that the approximately 2500 detainees being held by the

NTC in Tripoli are not given treatment that is in concert with international standards and treaties.

Reports of beatings and other ill-treatments have been filed; moreover the detainees have not been

given access to lawyers or judicial proceedings. The report titled Detention Abuses Staining the New

Libya is based on interviews with prisoners. The National Transitional Council announced that theyhave captured one of Gaddafis sons, Motassim Gaddafi. Motassim served as his fathers national

security advisor and played an active role in the domestic politics prior to the uprisings. The arrest

has not been confirmed.

October 14, 2011

The battle for Sirte is still on going, the Libyan rebels have concentrated even more troops and

firepower to the city. There is still resistance in the form of snipers in buildings making the situation

extremely dangerous. Simultaneously the hunt for Gaddafi continues the latest intelligence, based on

satellite surveillance of southern Libya, alludes to the possibility of Gaddafi being on the move in the


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Southern regions of Libya. He is said to be on the move, travelling with a small entourage of close

advisors and bodyguards.

October 18, 2011

12 people were killed on Tuesday in Syria as security forces opened fire upon protesters, the deathsoccurred in the cities of Herak and Homs.

October 15, 2011

A senior Al-Qaida operative is killed in Yemen along with eight others. Soon after the air strike that

killed the nine al-Qaida affiliates a pipeline was sabotaged in what was described as a retaliatory

attack by the terror network.

October 20, 2011

On this day the conflict in Libya came to a decisive point as former Libyan leader Gaddafi wascaptured and in just a matter of minutes died in captivity. The reporting throughout the day was

sketchy and his death was not confirmed until late in the afternoon. The fatal battle that might act as

an end to the conflict between the Libyan rebels and the Gaddafi loyalists took place in the city of

Sirte. As the city was taken over by the NTC forces a convoy of cars was spotted trying to flee the city

centre, in this convoy was Gaddafi. His presence in Sirte explains the staunch resistance from the

small number of loyalists that have been present in Sirte for the last couple of weeks. As Gaddafi is

now removed from the playing field in Libya hopes are that the resistance will peter out, that the

conflict will indeed end, as the high profile enemy of the NTC is now removed. What will follow in the

wake of Gaddafis death is impossible to guess, the responsibility of the NTC to unify the country and

manage the transition from authoritarian leadership to a functioning democracy. This is not atransition that will be easy, nor will it be instant, the following weeks, months will give an indicator as

to in what direction the Libyan society after Gaddafi will evolve.

October 21, 2011

The UN commission of Human Rights demanded on Friday an official investigation of the death of

Gaddafi. The circumstances of his passing are debated and several rumours indicate the possibility of

him being shot in captivity. There has been no Libyan response so far.

Also on October 21

In Syria security forces, according to a human rights group, shot and killed 18 civilians, 15 of which

were shot in Homs. Syrian protesters were marching the streets chanting: Gaddafi is finished now

its your turn Bashar directed at President Assad.

October 22, 2011

NATO stated that the operation of enforcing the no fly zone over Libya will be dissolved by the end of

October.

October 23, 2011


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As demonstrators marched through the streets of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, security forces clashed

with rival military groups consisting of defected military and armed tribesmen, resulting in at least

one death. The clashes started on Saturday (October 22), and unconfirmed reports put the death toll

at 20 over the weekend.

Also on October 23

In Tunisia, the first country to get rid of its dictator, the country in which the uprisings started, free

elections were held on Sunday. The elections seem to have been carried out peacefully and initial

reports estimate a high voter turnout.

Also on October 23

In Libyathe National Transitional Council declared Libya liberated officially from Gaddafis 42 year

term as leader of the country. The liberation ceremony was held in Benghazi and marks the end of

the campaign to oust Colonel Gaddafi from power.

October 24, 2011

On the night to Monday Gaddafis body was autopsied, contrary to promises made by NTC officials.

Gaddafis body has been stored in a meat fridge in Misrata, east of the Libyan capital, since Thursday

(20 October) and despite promises to bury him within 24 hours after his death, as well as demands

from the Gaddafi family to get the body, there has been no burial or handing over of the corpse. The

initial autopsy reports found a bullet in Gaddafis head, as well as in his gut. The body of Motassim

Gaddafi, who was also killed on Thursday (20 October) is also stored in the same meat freezer as his

father, the circumstances of his death are also unclear.

October 25, 2011

At least 25 people, including civilians, government soldiers, and tribal fighters, were killed during

overnight clashes in Yemen in the capital Sanaa and the city Taiz. In addition to the 25 deaths scores

were wounded.

October 26, 2011

Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned today a massacre of over 50 Gaddafi loyalists perpetrated

during/after the final offensive on Sirte. The killings allegedly took place in an abandoned hotel used

as a base for Gaddafi during his final days. Many of the victims were found bound and shot in thehead. The NTC have promised to investigate the circumstances of these deaths, as well as the death

of Gaddafi and his son. The corpse of Gaddafi was buried at dawn, in an unknown location ending the

Gaddafi era in Libya

Also on October 26

At least 26 people were killed in Syria as security forces clashed with oppositional forces.

October 27, 2011


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The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to revoke the mandate for the no-fly zone

stipulated in resolution 1973. The newly formed interim government ofLibya had asked for a delay

of the annulment of the resolution.

Also on October 27

In the Tunisian city Sidi Bouzid, the birth place of the uprisings that led to the elections in Tunisia,

violence erupted on Thursday evening as dissatisfied youths marched through the city centre

smashing windows and burning tyres in reaction to the cancellation of seats won by the popular list

party. The cancellation is due to financial irregularities on behalf of the party led by a London based

business man, the popular list party won a number of seats in Sidi Bouzid.

October 28, 2011

A legal representative for the Gaddafi family announced today that they are preparing to file a report

to the International Crime Court against NATO and alleged war crimes perpetrated by NATO in Libya

since February 2011 up until the killing of Gaddafi. NATO has replied that they have never targeted

individuals and neither strayed outside of the mandate given by the Security Council.

Also on October 28

Gaddafis son Saif-al Islam is reportedly in Niger where he is ready to turn himself in to the

International Crime Court, he has stated that he fears for his life in Libya. There has been no

response from the ICC yet.

October 30, 2011

The international airport in Yemens capital Sanaa was closed due to reported shelling of an air force

air-base located adjacent to the commercial airport in Sanaa. All flights were diverted to Aden in the

south of the country. There were also reports of shelling in the Arhab area north of the capital Sanaa

overnight as tribal fighting continues in Yemen.

November 1, 2011

Qatar announced that they have scheduled elections for 2013. The elections are to fill 30 of the 45

seats on the advisory council, the other 15 are appointed. This will be the first elections in Qatar, a

country were political parties are forbidden.

November 2, 2011

After an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on Wednesday the Syrian government has

accepted several measures aimed at easing the suffering for the Syrian population by halting the

violence taking place within Syria. The plan involved removing tanks and armoured vehicles from the

streets. To what extent this deal will be honoured remains to be determined, as protesters will likely

continue to take to the streets, the outlook is perhaps a bit more positive as Assad has not been

open for any talks prior to this meeting. Parallel to the talks in Cairo 15 members of the Syrian

security force were killed in an attack carried out by defectors from the Syrian army in the Hama

province.

Also on November 2, 2011


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The ICC warned about the possibility of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi trying to flee Libya with the assistance

of mercenaries, chief prosecutor Ocampo called on all nations to disrupt such plans and to refuse

Gaddafi entrance.

November 4, 2011

Weapons inspectors from The Hague who have conducted an inventory of the stock of chemicals in

Libya used to manufacture chemical weapons reported that there are no discrepancies from the last

inventory. The depots that should have been destroyed in 2004 according to international

conventions signed by Libya will be scheduled for destruction in the near future.

November 6, 2011

The Niger army clashed with a Libyan convoy leaving 14 persons dead. The convoy was reportedly

made up of Gaddafi loyalist fleeing Libya. 13 of the 14 victims were riding in the Libyan convoy.

November 10, 2011

At least 38 people were killed in various operations carried out by the Syrian security forces across

the country on Thursday. 16 of the fatalities were recorded in the city Homs; the other fatalities were

recorded in Idlib, Hama, Damascus and Daraa.

November 11, 2011

In the Yemeni city of Taiz there are reports of shelling throughout the night resulting in at least 9

deaths. The shelling resulted in dozens of wounded, on top of the at least 9 dead. The killings

coincide with the visit to Yemen by Jamal Benomar, envoy to the U.N pressing for a transition of

power from president Saleh.

November 14, 2011

At least 90 persons are killed as clashes erupt during anti-Assad demonstrations across Syria. The

Arab League and several major powers, including the U.S and the EU, as well as Turkey demanded

that the sanctions against Syria should be tightened; Turkey threatened to cut the electricity it

supplies to Syria unless Assad ends his violent campaign against his own population.

November 16, 2011

Syria was officially, after much debate and several ultimatums, suspended from the Arab League,

enforcing a decision taken on the 12 November. Syria was previously given the ultimatum to

withdraw all tanks and armoured vehicles from restive cities and to engage in dialogue with the

opposition, when these demands were not met by President Assad Syria was suspended from the

Arab League.

November 17, 2011

The Libyan Muslim Brotherhood congregated for its first congress in over 25 years. Items on the

agenda were electing a leader and whether or not to form a political party.

November 18, 2011


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The Arab League voted in favour, 19 of 22 members in favour, of imposing sanctions on Syria. The

sanctions included travel bans, frozen assets and a halt to investments in Syria by member states of

the Arab League.

November 28, 2011

The first part of the complicated and stretched out Egyptian elections was held today. Despite

concerns for violence and disruptions the day progressed calmly. The next instalment in the elections

will be held on the 14th

of December, and the third and final on January 3. Following those three

elections there will be elections for the upper house, as well as for the presidency.

November 30, 2011

Violence once again rocked Tahrir Square in central Cairo, the violence that occurred on the eleventh

day of protests against the military council ruling Egypt was blamed on unknown attackers. The

military council however claimed that it was a dispute between street vendors that had gotten out of

hand. Up to 80 people were injured in the skirmishes.

December 1, 2011

The results from the Egyptian vote to the lower house of parliament were further delayed on

Thursday, the results, which were promised to be announced on Wednesday are now said to be

released on Friday. Even though there had not been any official results the Muslim brotherhoods

political wing is believed to have won as much as 40 per cent of the vote.

December 2, 2011

The European Union is not able to agree on sanctions towards Syria concerning surveillance

equipment. According to inside information obtained by media Sweden is the county blocking such

sanctions in what has infamously been called the Ericsson factor alluding to the Swedish telecom

company Ericsson, highly involved in the Syrian market. The sanctions were discussed in the light of a

UN report claiming that approximately 4000 people, of which 300 children, have been killed since the

beginning of the uprising in Syria. Further, 14 000 people are believed to be detained since the

outbreak of protests against Assad.

December 6, 2011

Libyas interim government announced a deadline for disarmament of Tripoli residents to the end ofthe year and at the same time urged brigades of revolutionary fighters to leave Tripoli by December

20.

December 7, 2011

During an interview with foreign journalists army general, and spokesperson for the military council

ruling Egypt, Mukhtar al-Mulla pronounced that they would appoint an advisory civilian council that

would act as an intermediary between the Military council, the parliament and the cabinet. The

move was immediately criticized as undermining the on-going democratic process in Egypt.

Also on December 7


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Protesters are fired upon as they attempt to retake the Pearl roundabout in Bahraini capital

Manama. Several injuries were reported and a woman who had been injured in previous clashes

succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday.

December 8

In an interview conducted with American broadcasting company ABC Syrian president Assad claimed

that only a crazy person would kill his own population when confronted with the question whether

Syrian troops have cracked down too hard on protesters.

Also on December 8

A major oil pipeline was sabotaged in the eastern parts ofSyria; the act was immediately blamed on

terrorists. The pipeline was supplying the refineries in Homs with crude oil.

December 9, 2011

At least 15 people have been killed across Syria after live ammunition was once again used on

unarmed protesters.

December 12, 2011

U.N. commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay stated that more than 5 000 people has died in Syria

during the uprisings against Assad, the numbers were immediately rejected by Syrias ambassador to

the U.N. as incredible. The estimates include civilians, defectors, and soldiers executed for refusing to

shoot at unarmed protesters; the estimate does not include security and military forces.

Also on December 12

Moncef Marzouki, a doctor who under the era of Ben Ali lived in exile in France, was on Monday

elected President ofTunisia.

December 14, 2011

The second round of the elections for the lower house of the Egyptian parliament was held, the

constituencies that voted in this round were; Giza, Luxor, Aswan and the Ismailia regions. These

regions have historically favoured conservative Islamism. The elections have reportedly progressed

calmly; the number of eligible voters is close to 19 million.

December 15, 2011

NGO Human Rights Watch released a document naming 74 Syrian officers and commanders

responsible for violence against unarmed protesters. The document based on interviews with

defected members of the Syrian army specifically states that the armed forces were given orders to

shoot and kill unarmed protesters.

December 16, 2011

Russia, who had earlier been averse to using harsh language against Syria, surprised the Security

Council when the Russian delegation circulated a draft resolution concerning the situation in Syria.


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The draft did not include any mention of sanctions, but was according to other members of the SC

very constructive.

Also on December 16

Violence once again flared up on the Tahrir square in Cairo, this episode of violence was sparked byrumours of the military beating activist Abboudi Ibrahim who has been participating in a four week

sit in at the Egyptian parliament, demonstrating against the military rule.

December 18, 2011

The Islamist parties ofEgypt claimed to have obtained at least 70% of the votes in the second of

three voting rounds commenced the previous week.

December 20, 2011

The Algerian security services are reporting an upsurge in activities from the terrorist group AQIM(Al-Quaeda in the Maghreb) this spike in activities is supposedly linked to the abundance of weapons

in the region following the fall of Gaddafi.

Also on December 20

Thousands of protesters take the streets in Cairo to protest the latest developments, namely the

police brutality that has been taking place during the last few days. A video circulating widely on the

internet and in media shows riot gear police beating, and using live ammunition towards

demonstrations. A particular image became symbolic for the situation, the footage showed a young

girl being dragged by Egyptianpolice while being beaten. The images quickly named the girl in the

blue bra since the girls shirt was torn of by riot police, sparked outrage amongst the Egyptians who

considered the police action to be well beyond any reasonable response to the peace full

demonstrations that they were trying to break up.

December 22, 2011

Fatality estimates covering just the last couple of days approximate that over 200 people have been

killed in violence throughout Syria.

December 23, 2011

Chairman of the Libyan transitional Mustafa Abdul Jalil spoke to reporters explaining the situation in

Libya, pointing to the difficulties of disarming the armed groups that took part in ousting Gaddafi.

Jalil claimed that the

Documents

87711 Chronologic Timeline Arabian Spring